Black Hills State University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

Compare Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD with Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Black Hills State University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (3,346 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Black Hills State University is located in Spearfish, SD (Remote Town setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• Black Hills State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Black Hills State University 17:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

Black Hills State University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Black Hills State University or Shepherd University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Shepherd University than Black Hills State University ($11,744 vs. $15,576).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Black Hills State University are 5.9% lower than at Shepherd University ($12,160 vs. $12,916).
• Shepherd University is 3.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Black Hills State University (about $292 more per year; $9,056.00 vs. $8,764.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60.8% higher at Shepherd University than at Black Hills State University (about $7,216 more per year; $19,082.00 vs. $11,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at Black Hills State University (96% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shepherd University students is 35.8% larger than aid received by Black Hills State University students ($8,241 vs. $6,070).

Black Hills State University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Black Hills State University or Shepherd University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Shepherd University and Black Hills State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Black Hills State University (1050) is 40 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming Black Hills State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Shepherd University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Black Hills State University 965/1135; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Black Hills State University 18/24; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Black Hills State University - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Black Hills State University (3.22).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Black Hills State University (96.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.1% at Black Hills State University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Black Hills State University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Black Hills State University and Shepherd University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Shepherd University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Black Hills State University's (28%).
• Graduates from Shepherd University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than Black Hills State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $3,255 lower median loan debt than Black Hills State University graduates ($22,223 vs. $25,478).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Black Hills State University graduates ($229 vs. $263).
• More Black Hills State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 53%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.